Flight Story #1518
Terrace, British Columbia → Toronto, Ontario
When Aija learned that both of her parents were facing serious health challenges, she knew she needed to be with them.
Her mother has been living with cancer and chronic illness for years while her father was diagnosed with bladder cancer. Then, everything changed when her father—the primary caregiver for her mother—was suddenly hospitalized. With her mum placed on palliative care and her dad being assessed for palliative care, Aija worried about how her mother would manage.
“My mother depends heavily on him for her day-to-day care and support.”
She shared that her mother’s health had declined significantly and that she now struggled with mobility, preparing meals, and completing daily activities safely on her own.
For Aija, there was no question about where she needed to be.
“I feel a strong responsibility to be present with them during this difficult time.”
She hoped to help care for her mother, support her father through his hospitalization, and assist with medical appointments and care plans while the family navigated this significant change in their health.
The journey came at an especially difficult time.
Just months earlier, Aija’s sister had died from cancer. Her family was still recovering emotionally and financially from the loss and the cost of traveling to Ontario for her memorial service. Although Aija had recently returned to full-time work after a period of under employment, taking time away from work and paying for another last-minute trip was more than her family could afford.
In her application, Aija wrote:
"This trip represents much more than travel... Being able to spend time with my parents, support them through their illnesses, and help them navigate this difficult chapter is profoundly important to me."
Thanks to the generosity of flight hero Jenn, Aija received a compassionate flight to Ontario, giving her the opportunity to be with her parents and provide the care and support they needed during this difficult time.
Thank you to everyone who donates miles and funds to Give A Mile. Your generosity helps families overcome financial barriers so they can be together when love, support, and presence matter most.
💙 You can help another family be together when it matters most. Donate miles or funds today. ✈️